Barbara (Ricardi) Domiano

Barbara M. (Ricardi) Domiano, 84, of Worcester, passed away peacefully Monday, September 24th, 2018 surrounded by the family and friends she loved so much.  Barbara has now joined in heaven her son, Bobby Domiano, Jr. who passed away in 1991.   Barbara was born in Worcester, on Christmas day in 1933, one of seven children of Thomas and Teresa (Giordano) Ricardi.  Barbara was raised in the Italian neighborhood on Shrewsbury Street.  Barbara met the love of her life when he was discharged from the Navy after serving in the Korean War.  They met in 1956 and were  married in 1957.   She was The Love of his Life” for the next 61 years, dedicated to her family.  Barbara was most known for her boundless generosity and immense love.  Her face glowed with a contagious positivity and warmth, and she made life-long friends wherever she went. Barbara, lovingly known as “Mimi” by her grandchildren, neighbors and friends is remembered as having been a living angel. She was a stalwart friend, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Barbara is survived by her husband and love; Robert Domiano, Sr.; the two daughters she cherished, Donna M. Domiano and her husband Arthur Clifford and Mary Domiano all of Worcester; six grandchildren who she devoted her time to and became her life’s inspiration; Steven Grise’ of New York City, Barbara Grise’ of Northampton,  Sandra Ethier of Framingham, John Clifford of Pawtucket R.I., Kate Clifford of Attleboro and Liam Clifford of Mansfield.  She also is survived by five siblings, Gloria Giaquinto of Worcester, MaryRose Feraco of Holden, Thomas Ricardi and his wife Annette of Conway, Mass, John Ricardi and his wife Jeanne of Vero Beach, Florida and Robert Ricardi  and his wife Carolyn of Holden.  She had many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  Her niece Maryann DiPinto was particularly devoted to her and spent a lot of time caring for her.   Besides her son, Bobby, Barbara is predeceased by her sister, Shirley Radiewicz and her husband Edwin, her brother in law Frank Giaquinto and most recently lost her brother in law Bill Feraco. Barbara was a life time member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church.   She was an active member of the Beato Angelo d’ Acri Society.  Barbara was an avid bowler and participated in a Thunderbird bowling team for many years.  She was a Bowling Champ and won numerous trophies.  She loved her occasional excursions to Foxwoods, Atlantic City and Las Vegas.  She had astonishing luck, winning frequently, which never ceased to amaze her family and friends.  Barbara especially enjoyed dispersing her winnings to her daughters and grandchildren.   She created a family tradition called the “Christmas Bonus” which consisted of many small wrapped packages containing dollar amounts that were opened on Christmas morning. Barbara’s favorite time of the year was Christmas, which was also her birthday.  She enjoyed cooking with her family for a full day to prepare for Christmas Eve, “the Feast of the Seven Fishes”.    She taught her children and grandchildren the traditions and recipes of her Italian heritage.  Barbara made an Italian gravy that was deliciously irresistible.  A special thank you to the staff of Summit Elder Care where Barbara spend many days playing cards, socializing and having coffee with her friends.  We would especially like to thank her nurse Mary Njaga, activity coordinator Maureen Sweeney and the entire nursing staff.  Their care was instrumental in Barbara’s positive outlook and ability to persevere through her illness. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours, Friday, September 28th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be held Saturday, September 29th at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd (please go directly to the church).  Burial will follow in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in her name can be made to Summit Elder Care Activity Fund  1369 Grafton Street Worcester, MA.